Prabhupäda Thought Big
Srila Prabhupäda said that his one problem was that he could not think small, he could only think big. His ambitions for spreading Krsna consciousness were enormous, mind-boggling. He wanted whole nations to become Krsna conscious. (Letter, 21 December 1974) What can we do to fulfill those ambitions? Our own strength is very little. Sometimes we find it difficult just to keep up the minimum standard Prabhupäda gave us, what to speak of expanding the preaching. But to those who sincerely try to execute the order of the spiritual master, strength will come and amazing things will happen. Despite all our weaknesses, somehow or other Srila Prabhupäda has chosen us, the members of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, to fulfill his desires, the mission of Lord Caitanya. It is a great blessing to be an instrument in the hands of Srila Prabhupäda for changing the world by sankirtana.
Srila Prabhupäda said that his one problem was that he could not think small, he could only think big. His ambitions for spreading Krsna consciousness were enormous, mind-boggling. He wanted whole nations to become Krsna conscious. (Letter, 21 December 1974) What can we do to fulfill those ambitions? Our own strength is very little. Sometimes we find it difficult just to keep up the minimum standard Prabhupäda gave us, what to speak of expanding the preaching. But to those who sincerely try to execute the order of the spiritual master, strength will come and amazing things will happen. Despite all our weaknesses, somehow or other Srila Prabhupäda has chosen us, the members of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, to fulfill his desires, the mission of Lord Caitanya. It is a great blessing to be an instrument in the hands of Srila Prabhupäda for changing the world by sankirtana.
Prabhupäda Thought Small
Everyone knows that Srila Prabhupäda thought big: “Take over the world with Krsna consciousness.” But Prabhupäda also thought small. He did not like over-centralization or top-heavy management. When he saw devotees in Hawaii living simply on the land and chanting Hare Krsna, he told them to go on like that. He said that there was no need to construct a big temple, or for any other grandiose plans.
Small is beautiful. Krsna is the master of multi-universes, but in His original feature He prefers to live as a simple village boy. Similarly, Srila Prabhupäda had all the glory of a great world äcärya but was happy to sit with a few devotees and discuss about Krsna or chant Hare Krsna. Jaya Srila Prabhupäda!
Srila Prabhupäda worked hard and traveled constantly to establish Krsna consciousness and impart his vision to others. Even though he was so busy traveling, preaching, translating, managing, and overseeing his disciples, still he would sometimes cook or listen to a reading of his books. Somehow or other he sometimes found time to sit and sing a bhajana, or to give personal attention to a lesser-known disciple. Sometimes he would speak with his disciples in a relaxed manner, joking and laughing with them. Although having become a great world guru, Prabhupäda was still always very personal and never lost his natural appreciation for the simple, basic activities of Krsna consciousness.
Everyone knows that Srila Prabhupäda thought big: “Take over the world with Krsna consciousness.” But Prabhupäda also thought small. He did not like over-centralization or top-heavy management. When he saw devotees in Hawaii living simply on the land and chanting Hare Krsna, he told them to go on like that. He said that there was no need to construct a big temple, or for any other grandiose plans.
Small is beautiful. Krsna is the master of multi-universes, but in His original feature He prefers to live as a simple village boy. Similarly, Srila Prabhupäda had all the glory of a great world äcärya but was happy to sit with a few devotees and discuss about Krsna or chant Hare Krsna. Jaya Srila Prabhupäda!
Srila Prabhupäda worked hard and traveled constantly to establish Krsna consciousness and impart his vision to others. Even though he was so busy traveling, preaching, translating, managing, and overseeing his disciples, still he would sometimes cook or listen to a reading of his books. Somehow or other he sometimes found time to sit and sing a bhajana, or to give personal attention to a lesser-known disciple. Sometimes he would speak with his disciples in a relaxed manner, joking and laughing with them. Although having become a great world guru, Prabhupäda was still always very personal and never lost his natural appreciation for the simple, basic activities of Krsna consciousness.
